This week on MarkyG's Issues Over the Rainbow, it's a star-studded trip back to a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ pop culture as MarkyG celebrates PrideFest and gets ready to kick off Queer as Folk Month after partying with Sharon Gless, Randy Harrison, Hal Sparks, Scott Lowell and more of the show's cast in South Beach. Then MarkyG welcomes Lorna Luft, daughter of legendary gay icon Judy Garland, for a candid and surprisingly personal conversation about growing up in one of Hollywood's most famous families, her relationship with her mother and sister Liza Minnelli, raising her own children, and why being a parent matters more than being your child's best friend. Lorna also shares her heartfelt thoughts about how she would respond if one of her children came out as gay, saying that what matters is raising loving, productive and good human beings—not the labels we put on them. Plus, the gang talks Pride, entertainment, a couple preparing to travel to Canada to marry, and the LGBTQ+ political battles dominating the headlines at the time. It's funny, outspoken, nostalgic and sometimes remarkably poignant—a fascinating snapshot of gay life, entertainment and equality in the early 2000s. Original airdate: March 28, 2004.

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This week on Issues Over The Rainbow, MarkyG serves up another wild, funny and surprisingly poignant snapshot of LGBTQ+ life in South Florida. Fresh off an emotional PrideFest—where thousands joined hands for three minutes of silence in solidarity for equality and dignity—MarkyG turns the spotlight on the fight to protect LGBTQ+ students, PrideFest in Palm Beach and the battle for marriage equality, including the more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits gay couples were being denied at the time. But don't worry, there's plenty of outrageous fun too! Psychotherapist Mark Rutherford tackles a listener's complicated three-person relationship—or “truple”—while gay improv duo The Oops Guys bring their anything-goes brand of comedy to the studio. Then Joe Posa drops by as Joan Rivers to dish about Guys as Dolls, the over-the-top stage show featuring celebrity impersonations from Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli to Cher, J-Lo and Britney Spears. Plus, Chick Chat gets personal with two women preparing to marry in Canada, and MarkyG closes with a touching story about how his teenage daughter confronted anti-gay hatred online—not with more hate, but with compassion—and actually changed someone's mind. It's hilarious, heartfelt and a fascinating reminder of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come...and the voices that helped push it forward. Original airdate: March 21, 2004

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How far would you go to turn back the clock? On this classic episode of Issues Over The Rainbow, MarkyG welcomes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill for a revealing—and very funny—look at the booming world of cosmetic dermatology. From Botox, collagen and Restylane to lasers and Thermage, the then-hot new non-surgical facelift that MarkyG personally puts to the test, Dr. Longwill explains the treatments people were turning to in their quest to look younger. But it's not all about vanity: she also tackles the serious side of skin health, including sun damage, melanoma, skin-cancer screenings and why protecting your skin today can make a major difference tomorrow. Plus, the gang takes on body image and self-acceptance in the gay community, keeping the spark alive in long-term relationships, PrideFest and Winter Party, and The L Word star Karina Lombard returns for a hilariously uninhibited Chick Chat. It's another outrageous snapshot of LGBTQ+ life, health, relationships and pop culture from the early 2000s. Original airdate: March 14, 2004

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Turn up the beat and head back to South Florida’s legendary dance-music scene as MarkyG presents a special Winter Music Conference edition of Issues Over The Rainbow! With Winter Music Conference and Ultra taking over Miami, MarkyG celebrates the powerful influence gay artists, performers and audiences have had on dance music and club culture. The show features rising dance artist Kenny, who tells the hilarious story of sneaking his way past security at Party 93.1 to get his music heard before eventually landing in the spotlight himself, along with dance artist and producer Oba Frank Lords, who talks about his huge gay following, club anthem “Dark Beat” and his new dance interpretation of “Personal Jesus.” MarkyG also checks in on PrideFest South Florida, featuring a packed day of entertainment including recording artist Amber and Brady Bunch legend Florence Henderson, and previews Winter Party, where partying with a purpose raises money for LGBTQ+ organizations throughout South Florida. It’s a high-energy blast from the past filled with dance-floor anthems, gay nightlife, Pride, celebrity appearances and a fascinating snapshot of LGBTQ+ culture when South Florida’s club scene was absolutely on fire. Original airdate: March 7, 2004.

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This week on Issues Over The Rainbow, MarkyG rolls out the rainbow carpet for a special Oscars edition packed with Hollywood predictions, South Florida happenings, and plenty of outrageous conversation. Entertainment diva Mary Damiano joins MarkyG to handicap the Academy Awards, debating everything from Best Actor and Actress to Best Picture, Director and Song, while listeners get their own shot at Oscar glory. But there's much more than movies: Richard Simic and Scott Holland preview PrideFest South Florida and look back at its roots in the fight against Anita Bryant's anti-gay campaign and the continuing struggle for equality. Youth outreach correspondent Joshua Johnson investigates the notorious "sex bracelet" craze and delivers an important reminder about consent; psychotherapist Mark Rutherford tackles the fine art of flirting, gaydar and what to do when that cute stranger at the mall looks back; and the ladies of Chick Chat debate a listener's complicated question about sexual attraction versus emotional connection. It's Hollywood, Pride, sex, relationships and South Florida gay life served up the way only MarkyG can—bold, funny and completely over the rainbow. Original airdate: March 7, 2004.

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It’s time for one of pop music’s most colorful, unforgettable and beloved icons! This week on Issues Over The Rainbow, MarkyG features the one and only Cyndi Lauper. Along with Cyndi, MarkyG and the crew revisit some favorite moments from the show, including a powerful conversation about coming out and how one person’s courage can inspire others, a look ahead at PrideFest, relationship and workplace advice about stereotypes and sexuality, Chick Chat, and Mary’s Red Carpet Report with the latest entertainment buzz. It’s music, celebrity, LGBTQ+ life, laughs and plenty of attitude in a special edition of Issues Over The Rainbow with MarkyG! Original airdate: February 22, 2004

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This week on Issues Over The Rainbow, MarkyG gets fabulous with the guys from Bravo’s smash hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy! Carson Kressley, Kyan Douglas and Thom Filicia go behind the scenes of the phenomenon, revealing what really happens during those whirlwind makeovers, why the show has so much heart, and how simply being themselves on television has helped break down stereotypes and open conversations about being gay in homes across America. The guys also get candid about criticism that the Fab Five reinforce gay stereotypes—and explain why they refuse to let anyone, gay or straight, dictate who they should be. Plus, The L Word’s Karina Lombard joins the ladies of Chick Chat to talk about the groundbreaking Showtime series and its appeal far beyond the lesbian community. MarkyG and the gang also tackle gay marriage versus civil unions, LGBTQ+ issues in the presidential campaign, the importance of voting, relationships where opposites attract, and the latest in South Florida entertainment. It’s celebrity, politics, relationships and plenty of outrageous fun—Issues Over The Rainbow style! Original airdate: February 15, 2004.

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This week on Issues Over The Rainbow, MarkyG welcomes the beautiful and charismatic Karina Lombard, star of Showtime’s groundbreaking series The L Word, for a candid, funny and revealing conversation about bringing lesbian lives and relationships to television. Karina takes us inside the show, introduces her seductive character Marina, talks about filming same-sex love scenes and explains why The L Word can help audiences see that gay and straight couples ultimately share many of the same hopes, struggles and relationship challenges. She also shares a powerful message about dropping labels and judgment, following your heart and simply loving who you love. Plus, MarkyG looks at the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in Hollywood, the fight over Florida’s ban on gay adoption, a married man questioning whether he may be bisexual, the presidential race and gay rights, along with plenty of entertainment, relationships and outrageous fun from the regular Issues Over The Rainbow crew. Original airdate: February 1, 2004

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On this compelling episode of Issues Over the Rainbow, MarkyG tackles one of the most divisive issues of the early 2000s—marriage equality—and examines how politics, religion, and the media shaped the national conversation. Mark opens with a passionate commentary on President George W. Bush's State of the Union address and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community before welcoming award-winning journalist and bestselling author Bernard Goldberg for a thought-provoking discussion about media bias, balanced journalism, and whether controversial viewpoints deserve equal representation. Plus, regular contributors bring Hollywood news, LGBTQ+ current events, youth advocacy, mental health advice, and lively conversations about culture, relationships, and community. It's a fascinating time capsule that explores how far we've come—and the conversations that still matter today. Original airdate: January 25, 2004

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This week on Issues Over the Rainbow, MarkyG welcomes Stratton Pollitzer of Equality Florida for a powerful conversation about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Together they discuss ending workplace discrimination, achieving marriage and adoption equality, protecting LGBTQ+ students through safe school initiatives, and why visibility and community involvement remain essential to creating lasting change. It's an inspiring look at the progress that's been made, the challenges that remain, and how every voice can help build a more inclusive future for all Floridians. Original airdate: January 18, 2004.

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